Any good Windows laptop that can drive 4K display at 60Hz and fit my specifications?

[hajime]

I have been looking for Windows laptops from HP and Lenovo. HP confirmed that they don't have a laptop that can drive 4K display @ 60Hz, has 1TB user replaceable SSD, 14-15" screen at resolutions between 1080 and 4K (1080 is too low for professional work and the letters are too small to see under 4K in 14-15" screen), under 2kg weight and use Nvidia GPU. Ideally with around 10 hours battery life. Can' get confirmation from Lenovo yet.

Know any Lenovo laptop or laptops from reputable manufacturers that fit my specifications?

Why most Windows laptops don't have HDMI 2.0 port? Manufacturers just claim that their laptops have HDMI port but upon further checking, those are HDMI 1.4 rather than 2.0 port.

 

[NOTNlCE]

Have you looked at any other vendors? I use a Dell XPS 15 for my mobile computing. 1TB NVMe SSD which is user replaceable, thin and light, 4K screen with 100% Adobe RGB accuracy, GTX 1050 and an HDMI 2.0 port right on the laptop. You're probably not going to get 10 hours of battery life out of it, but if you get the larger battery option I tend to get between 6 and 7 hours. I switched from a 2011 15" MacBook Pro and I've been exceedingly happy with it.

 

[hajime]

Have you looked at any other vendors? I use a Dell XPS 15 for my mobile computing. 1TB NVMe SSD which is user replaceable, thin and light, 4K screen with 100% Adobe RGB accuracy, GTX 1050 and an HDMI 2.0 port right on the laptop. You're probably not going to get 10 hours of battery life out of it, but if you get the larger battery option I tend to get between 6 and 7 hours. I switched from a 2011 15" MacBook Pro and I've been exceedingly happy with it.

Thanks.

I only checked ASUS, Lenovo and HP. HP chat support said they don't have what I want. From ASUS website, I don't see their nice looking laptops have HDMI 2.0 I cannot find a contact email to check with Lenovo.

Does the XPS 15 has heat issue? I read that a lot of those with Nvidia 10x0 GPU have heat problem and they are often over 2kg.

I am not sure about 4K laptop screen. Even at about 30ish" 4K monitors, the words are too small for me. 1080 is too low of resolutions for me. I am looking for a screen with resolutions between 1080 and 4K.

Are you able to turn your XPS into a dual boot Hackintosh and Windows laptop?

 

[c0ppo]

Razer Blade 15.6 was just announced. It has everything you ask for.
But I would wait for some decent reviews before purchasing any high end (expensive) laptop first. But, Blade has user replaceable RAM and storage, supports multiple 4K 60Hz screens, has HDMI 2.0 built in, and generally looks like an excellent device.

 

[NOTNlCE]

Thanks.

I only checked ASUS, Lenovo and HP. HP chat support said they don't have what I want. From ASUS website, I don't see their nice looking laptops have HDMI 2.0 I cannot find a contact email to check with Lenovo.

Does the XPS 15 has heat issue? I read that a lot of those with Nvidia 10x0 GPU have heat problem and they are often over 2kg.

I am not sure about 4K laptop screen. Even at about 30ish" 4K monitors, the words are too small for me. 1080 is too low of resolutions for me. I am looking for a screen with resolutions between 1080 and 4K.

Are you able to turn your XPS into a dual boot Hackintosh and Windows laptop?

I have not run into any issues with heat on my XPS 15.

I have the 2017 model - i7-7700HQ and a GTX 1050 running Win 10 and macOS Sierra 10.12.6 as a hack, so yes.

For me, it's 100% a MacBook replacement. It runs beautifully and even has a comparable touchpad, something I always struggle to find on a Windows machine. The UI scaling has improved dramatically, even in Windows, so the text scaling issue is really nonexistent anymore. The 1050 is disabled under macOS for me, which gives more battery under macOS and the performance I need under Windows for games/etc.

 

[hajime]

Razer Blade 15.6 was just announced. It has everything you ask for.
But I would wait for some decent reviews before purchasing any high end (expensive) laptop first. But, Blade has user replaceable RAM and storage, supports multiple 4K 60Hz screens, has HDMI 2.0 built in, and generally looks like an excellent device.

Thanks. Let's decide at WWDC. If Apple does not release new MBP with reasonably good keyboard, it is time to jump ship. Hopefully by that time, there will be decent reviews about the Razer Blade and the possibility to turn it into a Hackintosh. We have given Apple lots of chances already. Don't want to continue to be controlled by TC's schemes.


[doublepost=1527027631][/doublepost]

I have not run into any issues with heat on my XPS 15.

I have the 2017 model - i7-7700HQ and a GTX 1050 running Win 10 and macOS Sierra 10.12.6 as a hack, so yes.

For me, it's 100% a MacBook replacement. It runs beautifully and even has a comparable touchpad, something I always struggle to find on a Windows machine. The UI scaling has improved dramatically, even in Windows, so the text scaling issue is really nonexistent anymore. The 1050 is disabled under macOS for me, which gives more battery under macOS and the performance I need under Windows for games/etc.

You are my hero.
[doublepost=1527027859][/doublepost]I remember many years ago, Windows users often had troubles in connecting their laptops to projectors or having difficulty in playing back videos during presentation in public venue while Mac users had not such issues. What about now? Has things been changed?

 

[DarthVader!]

I have not run into any issues with heat on my XPS 15.

I've considered the XPS myself, but then I read about some horror stories about Dell's customer support. That certainly gives me pause. I don't know if those issues are the exception or norm.

On the other hand, I've received excellent customer support from apple.

On paper, the XPS 15 out specs the MBP in almost every way and is less expensive, so if I were to get a windows machine, the XPS is definitely on my short list.

 

[hajime]

I've considered the XPS myself, but then I read about some horror stories about Dell's customer support. That certainly gives me pause. I don't know if those issues are the exception or norm.

On the other hand, I've received excellent customer support from apple.

On paper, the XPS 15 out specs the MBP in almost every way and is less expensive, so if I were to get a windows machine, the XPS is definitely on my short list.

So, compared with other manufacturers, what is left that is good about Apple is the customer services?
[doublepost=1527074146][/doublepost]

Razer Blade 15.6 was just announced. It has everything you ask for.
But I would wait for some decent reviews before purchasing any high end (expensive) laptop first. But, Blade has user replaceable RAM and storage, supports multiple 4K 60Hz screens, has HDMI 2.0 built in, and generally looks like an excellent device.

It is over 2kg and out of stock.

 

[c0ppo]

It is over 2kg and out of stock.

2.07kg... Indeed, unbearable

 

[hajime]

2.07kg... Indeed, unbearable

I will also carry an IPP 12.9", an iPhone, adapter for the laptop and other things... Things do add up.

 

[maflynn]

Food for thought regarding Dell.
https://www.pcworld.com/article/3179677/computers/dell-xps-15-vs-macbook-pro-15-fight.html

Conclusion
The MacBook Pro has a few things going for it: It's lighter, and it has long battery life under light loads. But in just every other metric used to judge a performance laptop (which quad-core laptops fall into), it's the Dell XPS 15 that comes up on top. When you factor in the massive cost savings (the top-end XPS 15 cost almost the same as the base MacBook Pro 15), this entire exercise shows this rivalry continues to be entirely one-sided.

Now this article is a year old and it seems Dell has a new machine that addresses the number of channels for its thunderbolt ports.

 

[c0ppo]

I will also carry an IPP 12.9", an iPhone, adapter for the laptop and other things... Things do add up.

Indeed, they do. But MBP is at 1.83kg, so difference is really small. Any real alternatives are 1kg devices such as Macbook.

 

[hajime]

Indeed, they do. But MBP is at 1.83kg, so difference is really small. Any real alternatives are 1kg devices such as Macbook.

Thanks. I think the model with 1070 GPU is even heavier. The idea here is that if Apple does not release a new MBP with improved keyboard, I may have to jump to Windows laptop. Getting the Macbook does not help.

Another possibility is to buy a cheap 13"-15" laptop for mobility and buy/build a workstation at home. I think the MacBook Air's release has been delayed to Fall. Can't wait that long anymore.

 

[c0ppo]

I have the same idea. If new MBP doesn't have reliable keyboard, I'm jumping ship as well. I won't go XPS route, since I don't trust Dell at all. Surface Book 2 isn't an option either, since it lacks TB3, and drains power while plugged in. Aero is too noisy and too hot for my taste, so I will either purchase another Lenovo, or maybe Razer (depending on the reviews).

Not an easy choice to make, especially because I really dislike Windows and would love to return fully to Mac OS

 

[hajime]

I guess one way is to buy the cheapest and stop investing on the Mac until Apple gets a (hopefully better and more pro-users friendly) CEO who cares more about innovation than using all sorts of tricks to earn profits.

 

[maflynn]

CEO who cares more about innovation than using all sorts of tricks to earn profits.

Two points, i'd like to raise.
First; laptops and desktops are now mature products and the amount of innovation has all but dried up. They're like TVs, we're not really seeing "innovation" in that product and I don't call HD or 4k innovation.

Second, computer sales are decreasing, and apple isn't going to put a lot of R&D on a product they themselves don't believe has a glowing long term life in front of it. They've said as much that they believe the future will be iPads and iPhones.

 

[hajime]

Two points, i'd like to raise.
First; laptops and desktops are now mature products and the amount of innovation has all but dried up. They're like TVs, we're not really seeing "innovation" in that product and I don't call HD or 4k innovation.

Second, computer sales are decreasing, and apple isn't going to put a lot of R&D on a product they themselves don't believe has a glowing long term life in front of it. They've said as much that they believe the future will be iPads and iPhones.

Good points but with the removal of several good features found in previous models, the current MBP is kind of backward.

 

[dumastudetto]

Two points, i'd like to raise.
First; laptops and desktops are now mature products and the amount of innovation has all but dried up. They're like TVs, we're not really seeing "innovation" in that product and I don't call HD or 4k innovation.

Second, computer sales are decreasing, and apple isn't going to put a lot of R&D on a product they themselves don't believe has a glowing long term life in front of it. They've said as much that they believe the future will be iPads and iPhones.

Yep the future of Mac is 100% iPad. Obviously those who love Macs will continue to resist for sometime, but it's inevitable that the Mac is not long for this world.

 

[c0ppo]

First; laptops and desktops are now mature products and the amount of innovation has all but dried up. They're like TVs, we're not really seeing "innovation" in that product and I don't call HD or 4k innovation.

100% correct. But even when someone tries to innovate, they ruin everything. Look at MS and their 'innovation' with Windows 8 and trying to push PC manufacturers into tablet/laptop combo. And their Surface tablets, now Surface Book, etc. Did it work out as planned? Well, Windows 10 and changed UI says everything.

Now lets look at Apple and their 'innovation'. Touch Bar is a flop. It doesn't matter if you like it or not. It is a complete fail, since not even Apple mentions it any more, and developers don't support it. Only MBP in entire Apple lineup has TB, if it was a success, there would be a external TB keyboard from Apple already.

But that 'innovation' made some people really mad, myself included.

Traditional computers should mainly stay like they are, at least for now. Maybe detachable is the way to go, but with current tech, not so much. You sacrifice too much for some gains, but those sacrifices are rather big.

And gimmicks like TB are even worse

So I would rather that they stop 'innovating'. At least for now.

Yep the future of Mac is 100% iPad. Obviously those who love Macs will continue to resist for sometime, but it's inevitable that the Mac is not long for this world.

Yup, I can already see Apple developers typing Mac OS or iOS upgrades on a touch screen, using a 10/12" screen size.
PC sales aren't as they used to be, but they are still beating tablets without a sweat! Only one tablet is selling, and that is iPad. And even iPad has declining sales, and it's revenues are less then those made from macs.

Now in 'real' computer world, macs aren't the only player in town. We have asus, lenovo, dell, razer, huawei, samsung, HP, etc. Android tablets are almost dead, so if you compare iPad sales with other pc + mac sales, well, it's not even a competition.

Someday tablets will maybe take over. But that day hasn't arrived. And it won't be soon. If ever.

 

[maflynn]

Yep the future of Mac is 100% iPad. Obviously those who love Macs will continue to resist for sometime, but it's inevitable that the Mac is not long for this world.

I think there will always be a place for a Mac, but the market is not really a growth market at this point

 

[hajime]

As I mentioned in another thread, even the cable that connects the MBP 2017 to the power adapter is inferior compared to the one which came with the MBP 2010. The older one has a smooth texture, easily to clean and difficult to get dirty. It can bend flexibly without leaving marks on the cable. Also, there is no indicator to show if the MBP is being charged or fully charged. MBP 2016 and 2016 is a step (or several steps) in the backward direction.

Speaking of touchbar, I noticed that sometimes when I watched Youtube videos, the option to change the speaker volume is dimmed. I could not change the sound level. How come?

 

[NOTNlCE]

Food for thought regarding Dell.
https://www.pcworld.com/article/3179677/computers/dell-xps-15-vs-macbook-pro-15-fight.html


Now this article is a year old and it seems Dell has a new machine that addresses the number of channels for its thunderbolt ports.

I was just about to link this. For me, the thunderbolt lanes and battery life were big considerations, but the keyboard is what made my decision. I (personally, anyway) am not a fan of the small travel distance on the MacBooks and that's what made my mind up in the end.

 

[hajime]

I think there will always be a place for a Mac, but the market is not really a growth market at this point

Owning a Mac, an iPhone and an iPad is a proof of status among super rich students from the East. I am sure Apple has been designing and selling with them in mind. Look at the availability of keyboard options in Canada. Why no keyboard for other Asian languages except one? Because of the very large market from that country, Apple under TC does not need to care about our pro-users.

 

[maflynn]

Owning a Mac, an iPhone and an iPad is a proof of status among super rich students from the East.

Yeah, I can see that being the case.

I am sure Apple has been designing and selling with them in mind

No, I disagree, I see them designing products that consumers (all consumers not just one demographic) thinks are cool and must have.

Because of the very large market from that country, Apple under TC does not need to care about our pro-users.

I'm no seeing your point here, are you saying lack of keyboard languages translates into apple not caring about the pro market?

 

[hajime]

Yeah, I can see that being the case.


No, I disagree, I see them designing products that consumers (all consumers not just one demographic) thinks are cool and must have.


I'm no seeing your point here, are you saying lack of keyboard languages translates into apple not caring about the pro market?

North America is a multi-cultural society. In keyboard language option, they offer two different types of Chinese keyboards. Why no Korean nor Japanese keyboard? Also, I think the color of the iPhone 8 seems to be Chinese Red. Apple seems to have an eye on big market.